The Thai and American cultures differ greatly. Communications and the success of operations will be much facilitated with the help of translators and regional experts to facilitate communications and mutual understanding. According to The U.S.A. Joint Publication 3-0, such capabilities can even save lives during combat situations.
(2)
For the situation in Thailand, the priority is ground force reinforcements and fires. These can however not be deployed properly without the necessary language and intelligence capabilities. It is therefore suggested that language and intelligence capabilities be deployed first. On this basis, intelligence can then be gathered regarding the existing capabilities on both sides, while communications can be established with local military leaders.
Once this is complete, the next step is to deploy reinforcements to increase the ground force troop numbers. Language capabilities by means of translators and regional experts should be installed in sufficient numbers to ensure optimal ground operations.
The third step is to deploy fire capabilities for the ground forces. This can be done by reorganizing existing weapons and transport, as well as reinforcing the amount of fire power among the ground forces. Furthermore, a communications network should be established among the various ground forces that protect Thailand. Currently, these forces work in isolation. A higher quality of communication network will provide a basis for more integrated and more effective operations.
The communication network can also be extended to include air support for the ground forces. Neither Myanmar nor Thailand are optimizing their air support operations. A better communication network, along with funding for aircraft upgrades, will significantly improve Thailand's strategic advantage.
Finally, Thailand's Naval capabilities must be upgraded by means of funding and the deployment of personnel. Here also, communication, networking...
Time is therefore of the essence, which could mean that the necessary deployments may not be properly integrated before the necessity of combat. This risk can be mitigated by proper initial communication among high-level commanders, and ensuring the proper installation of sufficient language capabilities to create a culture of trust among U.S. And Thai forces. This will ensure that no misunderstandings occur during deployment or operations.
(3)
The command and control structure will operate on the basis of a COCOM structure, which is the command authority as vested in commanders of combatant commands (U.S.A. Joint Publication 3-0, 2008: III-5). This structure will include commanders from the highest levels of both United States and Thailand's forces. At this level, language capabilities should also be installed to ensure that no misunderstandings occur when commands are passed via the communication network. This structure generally concerns logistical, administration, and disciplinary matters.
The COCOM structure will be supplemented by OPCON, which can be delegated to and exercised by subordinate Joint Force Commanders and Service commanders in order to ensure the success of the mission. It is a more practical structure and is delegated within the military forces as necessary. Finally, TACON will be integrated once language capabilities are installed across the entire operation. This structure is exercised by functional component commanders and operates across the forces involved. In conclusion, it is vital to provide an integrated and unified force for Thailand to optimize its defense against Myanmar.
Sources
U.S.A. Joint Publication 3-0. 2008. Joint Operations.
The United States Naval War College. 2008. Service Capabilities Vignettes for North Africa and Thailand.
